Introduction and Notes
by Joe Andrew, Professor of Russian Literature, Keele University.
Anton Chekhov is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of
short stories. He constructs stories where action and drama are implied
rather than described openly, and which leave much to the reader's
imagination. This collection contains some of the most important of
his earliest and shortest comic sketches, as well as examples of his
great, mature works. Throughout, the doctor-turned-writer displays
compassion for human suffering and misfortune, but is always able to
see the comical, even farcical aspects of the human condition.